Infant support system

ABSTRACT

Systems, apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture provide for stabilized support of an infant on a user&#39;s lap.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/591,620 filed Jan. 26, 2012, entitled “THE CUTILITYMAT™,” which is incorporated by reference in the present application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An understanding of embodiments described in this disclosure and many of the attendant advantages may be readily obtained by reference to the following detailed description when considered with the accompanying drawings, of which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an infant mat, according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an infant mat, according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a bottom stabilizing insert, according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an infant support system, including a mat portion assembled with a bottom stabilizing insert, according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an infant support system, including a mat portion assembled with and stabilized by a bottom stabilizing insert, according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an infant support system supporting an infant on a user's lap, according to one or more embodiments; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of components of an infant support system, according to one or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION A. Introduction

Applicant has recognized that, in accordance with some embodiments described in this disclosure, parents, caregivers, and other types of users may find it beneficial to provide a comfortable resting and/or playing environment for an infant.

Applicant has further recognized that, in accordance with some embodiments described in this disclosure, some types of users may find it beneficial to utilize a system for supporting an infant on a lap that is comfortable, provides improved stability, and is also foldable for convenient storage and portability.

According to some embodiments, Applicant discloses systems, apparatus, processes, and articles of manufacture for supporting an infant on the lap of a user. According to some embodiments, an infant support system or “baby mat” system may comprise a mat portion and a bottom stabilizing insert for stabilizing the mat portion when the mat portion is supporting an infant on a user's lap. In some embodiments, the bottom stabilizing insert has a triangular prism or wedge shape. According to some embodiments, the infant support system comprises a mat portion and a triangular insert.

Some embodiments described in this disclosure advantageously optimize the comfort of an infant on an adult's lap, while also being adaptable to any flat surface where increased or improved comfort is desired. Some embodiments advantageously provide for an infant support system that, due to its relatively light weight and/or the ability to fold and secure the folded mat portion, is easily portable and/or may be used in a variety of settings (e.g., any setting deemed safe or appropriate by a parent or guardian). In one example, an adult may place a child on the mat system on their lap to rest, to play, to ease gas pain, or just to have the infant near. In another example, an adult may place the mat portion on a flat surface and use it to change the infant's diaper or clothing. In another example, an adult may place the mat portion on a floor, providing a comfortable and appealing rest area for a child.

B. Terms and Definitions

Throughout the description that follows and unless otherwise specified, the following terms may include and/or encompass the example meanings provided in this section. These terms and illustrative example meanings are provided to clarify the language selected to describe embodiments both in the specification and in the appended claims, and accordingly, are not intended to be limiting.

As used in this disclosure, “infant support system” or “baby mat” may refer to, without limitation, a mat portion and a bottom stabilizing insert for the mat portion, collectively, whether the individual components are assembled, separated and not assembled, or secured together for storage or transport. The infant support system is designed to support a sleeping, resting, nursing, and/or playing infant, on a flat surface and/or on a user's lap.

As used in this disclosure, “mat portion” may refer to, without limitation, a mat that is a component of an infant support system, and generally may refer to a mat of a size, shape, and construction suitable for infant to sleep, rest, play, and/or nurse comfortably. As used in this disclosure, “bottom stabilizing insert” may refer to, without limitation, a stabilizing member for coupling, inserting, or otherwise removably securing to a mat portion in an infant support system. In some embodiments, the bottom stabilizing insert helps to stabilize the mat portion while the mat is on a user's lap (e.g., for a resting or nursing infant) by preventing movement of the mat (e.g., from side to side). In some embodiments, the bottom insert may also support the weight of an infant on the mat portion while the mat is on a user's lap (e.g., by resting on a lower surface, such as a chair).

C. Example Systems and Structures

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 illustrate an infant support system 100 including a mat portion 110 with a lower surface 112, an upper surface 114 (FIG. 2) on which an infant can rest or nurse, a front edge, a rear edge, and two side edges. In some embodiments, the mat portion 110 may have a generally consistent thickness throughout its length and width. In some embodiments, the mat portion 110 may have a generally rectangular shape.

The mat portion 110 in accordance with some embodiments includes an outermost casing or shell for enclosing a layer of material. According to some embodiments, by way of example and without limitation, the material for the shells or outermost casings for the mat portion 110 (and/or for the bottom stabilizing insert) may comprise a fabric, such as organic cotton or bamboo jersey, a plastic, and/or a mesh material. One or more different types of any fabric or other suitable materials may be used (alternatively or in addition) to create the shells. The shells may be available in a variety of colors. Color-matched, invisible zippers may be used to enclose the lined, foam pieces in their shells, which are preferably removable for cleaning.

According to some embodiments, the mat portion 110 may comprise one or more layers of material (e.g., covered by an outermost casing), such as a layer of a foam material, a memory foam material, and/or a combination of materials. In one or more embodiments, the material layer provides comfortable support for an infant (e.g., on a floor or other hard surface and/or in combination with bottom stabilizing insert 120 (FIG. 3) for use on a user's lap) while also allowing the mat portion 110 to be flexible, foldable, and/or bendable for portability and/or storage.

According to some embodiments, the mat portion 110 may be made using foam, muslin, organic, bamboo jersey, zippers, and thread. As will be readily understood by those of skill in the art, these materials may be substituted by like materials.

According to some embodiments, the mat portion 110 may comprise one or more of the following: a strap, a pocket, and a securing band. For example, the outermost casing for the mat portion 110 may be configured with one or more such features.

Referring again to FIG. 1, according to some embodiments, one or more straps 118 may be attached to at least one of the short ends of the mat portion 110 and may be used, as described in this disclosure, for securing the infant support system in a configuration suitable for portability and/or storage. FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a portable or storage configuration for an infant support system 700, in accordance with one or more embodiments. In FIG. 7, the length of a mat portion 710 is folded (e.g., approximately in thirds) and secured in place by wrapping and tying a strap 718 to prevent the mat portion 710 from unfolding. In some embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 7, the strap 718 may be used to also secure a bottom stabilizing insert 720 with the mat portion 710. Alternatively, the strap 718 may be used to secure only the mat portion 710.

Referring again to FIG. 1, according to some embodiments, the mat portion 110 may comprise one or more pockets 119 to secure any straps 118 (e.g., when the mat portion is unfolded). In one embodiment, the pocket may be formed of the same fabric as the outermost casing. According to some embodiments, one or more pockets 119, such as a zip closure, may be located on the top or bottom side of the mat portion 110. Alternatively or in addition, one or more pockets 119 may be located on an edge of the mat portion 110.

According to some embodiments, the mat portion 110 comprises an insert holder 116 for removably holding and/or attaching a bottom stabilizing insert (e.g., bottom stabilizing insert 120) to the bottom surface 112 of the mat portion 110. In one embodiment, the insert holder 116 comprises a band of fabric attached to one side of the mat portion (e.g., by stitching or otherwise affixing it to the outermost casing), from a front edge to a rear edge, spanning the width of the mat portion 110. In one example, a center band (e.g., a rectangular strip of fabric) for holding the bottom stabilizing insert is about 4 inches wide and of length equal to the width of the mat portion, and is affixed at least at the front and rear edges of the mat portion. In one or more embodiments, the center band is open on one or both sides for receiving and holding the bottom stabilizing insert 120 (FIG. 3).

Although it may be referred to as a “center” insert holder or band in this disclosure, it will be readily understood that an appropriate insert holder for the bottom stabilizing insert may be but need not necessarily be centered on a midline of or bisecting the length of the mat portion 110. In accordance with some embodiments, for example, the center of the length of the insert holder may be located within a range that is two inches on either side of the midline of the mat portion 110, or within any range of the midline that is appropriate for positioning the insert, when attached to the mat portion, between a user's legs. In one embodiment, the insert holder may be located within a middle third area of the mat portion (e.g., if the mat portion 110 were divided into three portions of equal area spanning the width of the mat portion).

As will be clear to those of skill in the art from the present disclosure, the mat portion 110 may be made in various sizes, shapes, thicknesses, widths, and depths. All dimensions noted are only examples and other dimensions may be possible. As one example, the mat portion 110 may have a width, from a front edge to a rear edge (e.g., that is closest to the user when in use), of 15 to 18 inches. In another example, the mat portion 110 may have a length, from a first side edge to a second side edge, of 31 to 34 inches. In one embodiment, the mat portion of the infant support system is 1 inch thick, 15.5 inches wide, and 33 inches long.

The infant support system 100, in accordance with some embodiments, comprises a bottom stabilizing insert 120, as illustrated in FIG. 3. In some embodiments, bottom stabilizing insert 120 may be detachably coupled to the mat portion 110 to provide stability and/or support to the mat portion 110 while the mat is on a user's lap (e.g., to support a resting or nursing infant). For example, the bottom stabilizing insert 120 may be inserted through an opening on the side of an insert holder 116 so that the bottom stabilizing insert 120 is held underneath the insert holder 116 and secured against the bottom surface 112 of the mat portion 110.

In one example, the bottom stabilizing insert 120 may be secured to the mat portion 110 by insert holder 116 (e.g., a band of fabric or other material), as described above and placed between a user's legs so that the mat is less likely to move away or off of the user's lap. In this way, the insert advantageously stabilizes the mat on the user's lap by keeping it in place. As described in this disclosure, the mat can be used without the bottom stabilizing insert when preferred, or when used on flat surfaces.

According to some embodiments, the bottom stabilizing insert 120 (e.g., a triangular insert) may be comprised of foam encased in fabric matching that of the mat portion 110.

As will be clear to those of skill in the art from the present disclosure, the bottom stabilizing insert 120 may be made in various sizes, shapes, thicknesses, widths, and depths. All dimensions noted are only examples and other dimensions may be possible. As one example, the bottom stabilizing insert 120 may have a triangular shape, a length between 15 and 18 inches, and a width of 4 to 7 inches. In some embodiments, the end faces of the stabilizing insert may generally be equilateral triangles (e.g., 5 inches×5 inches×5 inches) or may otherwise be triangular in shape.

According to some embodiments, the bottom stabilizing insert 120 has generally a triangular or wedge shape, as depicted in FIG. 3. At least one face of the bottom stabilizing insert, according to some embodiments, is generally flat for placing against the bottom surface of the mat portion 110. The other two faces of the bottom stabilizing insert 120 generally slope downward and inward to meet at a supporting edge of the bottom stabilizing insert 120. The general triangular or wedge shape thus provides the benefit of allowing the bottom stabilizing insert to fit comfortably between a user's legs. The user may use his or her legs to hold and/or support the bottom stabilizing insert. When the bottom stabilizing insert is removably attached to the mat portion 110, this allows the user to use her lap (i.e., the tops of her legs) to support the mat, while also comfortably holding the bottom stabilizing insert in place between her legs to prevent the attached mat from shifting to his or her right or left. According to some embodiments, when the bottom stabilizing insert is removably attached to the lower surface of the mat portion 110, the middle portion of the mat portion 110 may also be supported by the bottom stabilizing insert resting against a lower supporting surface, such as a chair. Accordingly, such embodiments may provide advantageously for a mat that is flexible for purposes of storage and/or portability, while still providing support and comfort to an infant resting or nursing on a user's lap.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the insert holder 416 may thus be used to secure a bottom stabilizing insert 120 (e.g., a triangular foam insert) to a mat portion 410 by sliding or inserting the insert under the insert holder to assemble the infant support system 400. FIG. 5 illustrates another view of the infant support system 400, where the assembled system is turned over so that the upper surface 414 of the mat portion 410 is ready to receive an infant. The shape of the bottom stabilizing insert may be seen underneath the insert holder 416.

D. Example Uses

An example 600 of use of the infant support system is depicted in FIG. 6. A user 612 is shown holding an infant 614 on the mat 610 and with the bottom stabilizing insert 620 between her legs for improved stability and/or to prevent the mat 610 from moving side to side on her lap. Although it is not necessary for all embodiments, in some embodiments the bottom stabilizing insert 620 may rest on a surface 630 (e.g., a chair) for additional support. In some embodiments, the user may bring her legs close together with the bottom stabilizing insert 620 between them, to hold the bottom stabilizing insert 620 in place.

According to some embodiments, a mat for infants, referred to as a “baby mat” or “baby mat system” in this disclosure, is disclosed to provide a comfortable resting and/or playing environment for the infant. It is uniquely designed to optimize the comfort of an infant on an adult's lap but is also adaptable to any flat surface where increased or improved comfort is desired. It can be used in a wide variety of circumstances as a result. For example, an adult may place a child on the mat on their lap to rest, to play, to ease gas pain, or just to have the infant near. Or, an adult may place the mat on a flat surface and use it to change the infant's diaper or clothing, or on the floor, it provides a rest area the child will be drawn to because it is extremely comfortable. The baby mat can also be used to add extra comfort to a play pen or travel bed for infants. This list of examples is not exhaustive. An infant's needs change over time and the baby mat is designed to be extremely versatile so that it can be adapted to those changing needs.

According to some embodiments, to use the baby mat, a user sits comfortably with feet firmly on the floor and knees shoulder-width apart. The baby mat may be unfolded and the user may secure the straps in their pocket. The user should verify that the stabilizing insert is securely fitted in the center band. When the baby mat is placed on the user's lap, the triangular insert should be placed between the user's legs for increased stability. The child may be placed on the baby mat on his/her back for some face time or on his/her tummy with his/her face to the left or right to relieve gas and/or stress.

The user may position his or her legs to optimize the child's comfort, and the child's body should be comfortably supported by the baby mat and his or her position on the user's lap. Patting the child gently on his or her lower torso or back while gently tapping the user's heels in a natural rhythm may provide extra comfort. This works best when a child is on his tummy with his face to the left or right of his body, and the child's airway is free and clear from obstruction. The user should continue patting and rocking the child until he/she is at ease.

As discussed in this disclosure, the infant support system is portable so it is ideal for use anywhere one can sit. The mat may be used without the insert if preferred. Also, the insert may be removed to use the baby mat on other, flat surfaces, as a changing station, or a resting station for a child. According to some embodiments, a portable bottom stabilizing insert of relatively small size and weight may be used alternatively on the upper surface of the mat portion and/or by itself (e.g., on a lap or floor), to support an infant while nursing (e.g., as a nursing wedge).

Interpretation

Numerous embodiments are described in this patent application, and are presented for illustrative purposes only. The described embodiments are not, and are not intended to be, limiting in any sense. The presently disclosed invention(s) are widely applicable to numerous embodiments, as is readily apparent from the disclosure. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the disclosed invention may be practiced with various modifications and alterations, such as structural and/or material modifications. Although particular features of the disclosed invention(s) may be described with reference to one or more particular embodiments and/or drawings, it should be understood that such features are not limited to usage in the one or more particular embodiments or drawings with reference to which they are described, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The present disclosure is neither a literal description of all embodiments nor a listing of features that must be present in all embodiments.

Neither the Title (set forth at the beginning of the first page of this disclosure) nor the Abstract (set forth at the end of this disclosure) is to be taken as limiting in any way the scope of the disclosed invention(s).

Throughout the description and unless otherwise specified, the following terms may include and/or encompass the example meanings provided below. These terms and illustrative example meanings are provided to clarify the language selected to describe embodiments both in the specification and in the appended claims, and accordingly, are not intended to be limiting.

The terms “an embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “the embodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or more embodiments”, “some embodiments”, “one embodiment” and the like mean “one or more (but not all) disclosed embodiments”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms “the invention” and “the present invention” and the like mean “one or more embodiments of the present invention.”

A reference to “another embodiment” in describing an embodiment does not imply that the referenced embodiment is mutually exclusive with another embodiment (e.g., an embodiment described before the referenced embodiment), unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms “including”, “comprising” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The term “plurality” means “two or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The term “herein” means “in the present disclosure, including anything which may be incorporated by reference”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The phrase “at least one of”, when such phrase modifies a plurality of things (such as an enumerated list of things) means any combination of one or more of those things, unless expressly specified otherwise. For example, the phrase at least one of a widget, a car and a wheel means either (i) a widget, (ii) a car, (iii) a wheel, (iv) a widget and a car, (v) a widget and a wheel, (vi) a car and a wheel, or (vii) a widget, a car and a wheel.

The phrase “based on” does not mean “based only on”, unless expressly specified otherwise. In other words, the phrase “based on” describes both “based only on” and “based at least on”.

Where a limitation of a first claim would cover one of a feature as well as more than one of a feature (e.g., a limitation such as “at least one widget” covers one widget as well as more than one widget), and where in a second claim that depends on the first claim, the second claim uses a definite article “the” to refer to the limitation (e.g., “the widget”), this does not imply that the first claim covers only one of the feature, and this does not imply that the second claim covers only one of the feature (e.g., “the widget” can cover both one widget and more than one widget).

Each process (whether called a method, algorithm or otherwise) inherently includes one or more steps, and therefore all references to a “step” or “steps” of a process have an inherent antecedent basis in the mere recitation of the term “process” or a like term. Accordingly, any reference in a claim to a “step” or “steps” of a process has sufficient antecedent basis.

When an ordinal number (such as “first”, “second”, “third” and so on) is used as an adjective before a term, that ordinal number is used (unless expressly specified otherwise) merely to indicate a particular feature, such as to distinguish that particular feature from another feature that is described by the same term or by a similar term. For example, a “first widget” may be so named merely to distinguish it from, e.g., a “second widget”. Thus, the mere usage of the ordinal numbers “first” and “second” before the term “widget” does not indicate any other relationship between the two widgets, and likewise does not indicate any other characteristics of either or both widgets. For example, the mere usage of the ordinal numbers “first” and “second” before the term “widget” (1) does not indicate that either widget comes before or after any other in order or location; (2) does not indicate that either widget occurs or acts before or after any other in time; and (3) does not indicate that either widget ranks above or below any other, as in importance or quality. In addition, the mere usage of ordinal numbers does not define a numerical limit to the features identified with the ordinal numbers. For example, the mere usage of the ordinal numbers “first” and “second” before the term “widget” does not indicate that there must be no more than two widgets.

A description of an embodiment with several components or features does not imply that any particular one of such components and/or features is required. On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the present invention(s). Unless otherwise specified explicitly, no component and/or feature is essential or required.

Further, although process steps, algorithms or the like may be described or depicted in a sequential order, such processes may be configured to work in one or more different orders. In other words, any sequence or order of steps that may be explicitly described or depicted does not necessarily indicate a requirement that the steps be performed in that order. The steps of processes described in this disclosure may be performed in any order practical. Further, some steps may be performed simultaneously despite being described or implied as occurring non-simultaneously (e.g., because one step is described after the other step). Moreover, the illustration of a process by its depiction in a drawing does not imply that the illustrated process is exclusive of other variations and modifications, does not imply that the illustrated process or any of its steps is necessary to the invention, and does not imply that the illustrated process is preferred.

The present disclosure provides, to one of ordinary skill in the art, an enabling description of several embodiments and/or inventions. Some of these embodiments and/or inventions may not be claimed in the present application, but may nevertheless be claimed in one or more continuing applications that claim the benefit of priority of the present application. Applicants may file additional applications to pursue patents for subject matter that has been disclosed and enabled but not claimed in the present application. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An infant support system for supporting an infant on a lap of a user, the infant support system comprising: a mat portion having an upper surface for supporting an infant and an opposed lower surface; and a bottom stabilizing insert that can be removably coupled with the lower surface to stabilize, between the legs of a user, the mat portion while the mat portion is on the lap of the user.
 2. The infant support system of claim 1, further comprising: an insert holder for holding the bottom stabilizing insert to the lower face of the mat portion.
 3. The infant support system of claim 2, wherein the insert holder comprises a band of fabric having a first end affixed to a front edge of the mat portion and a second edge affixed to a rear edge of the mat portion, and at least one opening for receiving the bottom stabilizing insert.
 4. The infant support system of claim 2, wherein the insert holder is centered at the midpoint of a length of the mat portion.
 5. The infant support system of claim 2, wherein the insert holder is positioned across the width of the mat portion, no more than two inches from the midpoint of a length of the mat portion.
 6. The infant support system of claim 1, wherein the bottom stabilizing insert is in the shape of a triangular prism.
 7. The infant support system of claim 1, further comprising: a strap attached to the mat portion for securing, in a configuration for storage and portability, the mat portion when folded.
 8. The infant support system of claim 7, further comprising: a pocket configured to receive the strap for storage when the mat portion is in use.
 9. The infant support system of claim 1, further comprising: a strap attached to the mat portion and securing, in a configuration for storage and portability, the mat portion together with the bottom stabilizing insert, the mat portion being folded at least once.
 10. The infant support system of claim 1, wherein the mat portion is made of foam sufficiently flexible to fold the mat portion for storage.
 11. An infant support system comprising: a mat portion having an upper surface for supporting an infant and a lower surface for receiving a stabilizing member; and the stabilizing member removably coupled to the lower surface and positioned for use between the legs of a user.
 12. An apparatus comprising: a mat portion comprising: an outermost casing of fabric, an upper surface for supporting an infant, an opposed lower surface, an insert holder for removably securing a triangular stabilizing insert to the lower surface, and at least one strap for securing the mat portion when folded; and a triangular stabilizing insert for reducing movement of the mat portion on a user's lap.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fabric comprises at least one of: jersey fabric and cotton fabric.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the insert holder comprises a strip of jersey fabric attached to a front edge of the mat portion and to a rear edge of the mat portion, the insert holder having at least one opening for receiving the triangular stabilizing insert.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the triangular stabilizing insert is removably secured to the mat portion by the insert holder.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mat portion has a length in the range of 31 to 34 inches, inclusive.
 17. The apparatus of claim, wherein the mat portion has a width in a range of 15 to 18 inches, inclusive. 